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Steve Van Zandt Corrects Springsteen's Geography Flub In Michigan

At Michigan's Palace of Auburn Hills Friday night, Bruce Springsteen addressed the crowd by the wrong state.

"Hello, Ohio!" the Boss said on several occasions during the first half-hour of the lengthy gig.

Blame Friday the 13th.

Guitarist Steve Van Zandt was quick to whisper the geographical blunder to the singer, who was visibly rattled over the gaffe, telling the crowd, "I'm all right" after the tip-off. He then laughed it off nervously, confessing, "That is every frontman's nightmare."

After the jinx, Springsteen and the band kept rolling, offering up a complete performance of the 1975 album 'Born To Run.' Springsteen also performed his recently debuted new track 'Wrecking Ball,' and took a moment to talk up the Detroit-area charity Focus: Hope.

Springsteen also worked the charm on Michigan, working in some Detroit tributes including a cover of Bob Seger's 'Ramblin' Gamblin' Man' and Jackie Wilson's 'Higher And Higher.'

Springsteen saved some major crowd-pleasers for the encore, closing the night with 'Dancing in the Dark,' 'Rosalita' and 'Born in the USA.'

Following the show, Van Zandt commented on the "Hello, Ohio!" mishap, telling Rolling Stone that at first he thought he'd misheard the Boss. "The second time I looked at [bassist] Garry [Tallent] and said, 'Did you hear what I just heard?' At that point I knew I had to get Bruce's attention, but I couldn't get it through the rest of 'Wrecking Ball.'"

Springsteen later "made a great joke out of" his mistake, Van Zandt added, saying, "I've been worried my whole life I'm going to do that and I finally did that."

Van Zandt explained that Springsteen "goes to a place" onstage. "It's a full adrenaline rush where you can't have a conversation."

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26 Comments

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Kathy

I am just baffled that there is ongoing debate comparing Bob Seger to "The Boss" as Springfeild is dubbed. Um, WHY?? Apples to Oranges~REALLY, because Bob IS & ALWAYS WILL BE THE REAL BOSS. The difference is that Bob doesn't grandstand because there is no need to. He delivers his craft to grateful fans who STAY patient & loyal no matter how long it is between shows & he NEVER disappoints.He's as real as it gets. And, hell yes I'm from Michigan & am damned tired of the ignorant insults about it when those fools have never even been there. So STFU ALREADY ABOUT BOTH SUBJECTS>>>>& I WILL BE EVER GRATEFUL TO YOU TOO!

September 20 2011 at 1:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sandy Stock

He is still "The Boss". Springsteen and the E Street Band are still the best Rock and Roll band that has ever lived. Over 30 years of great music and still going strong. So he thought he was in Ohio, so what, Bruuuuuuuce, you Rock Baby.

November 16 2009 at 2:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lyndsie

It probably bothers most people, cos you know, we don't give a damn about the whole state of Michigan. ;) If it were any other two bordering states, it probably would have been okay, but I'm sure a lot of Michiganites took it to heart.

November 16 2009 at 1:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
steve werner

springsteen sucks now hes a bleeding heart liberal

November 16 2009 at 1:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Obie

No big deal. See you on Friday in Baltimore

November 16 2009 at 12:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Doobie

He's senile. Time for him to retire from whatever it is he does.

November 16 2009 at 12:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Doobie's comment
vmissvickie

Well Doobie I think your name explains itself. You are probably in such a state of mind that you don't know what your doing, so get off Springsteen

November 16 2009 at 1:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Hughie

Wow, many friends and I have often on a trip will pop up and say are we still in Georgia? Or wake up and say what state are we in now> Nothing to make news about. Wouldn't it be nice if people in positions to make a difference investagated how us Veterans are really being treated by the doctor's at the VA? It's pretty bad, I am on a very low disabilty pension. And because of what people have put in my medical records I am getting pretty rough treatment in some case's and none it other area's. Please! Would someone contact me and help me. A report, wow could I ever get a reporter a great story about the inter workings of a VA that is considered the shinning star of the VA Hospital's. Any news people need a unbelivable story? Well I have the big one. And yes of course I have proof of it all. I keep very good records. You can find me on FaceBook, i'm probaby the only Hughie on facebook

November 16 2009 at 12:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nvraine

Who's Bruce Springsteen?

November 16 2009 at 12:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Debracarpenter

i agree with John besides if you traveled as much as they do and do half as good you'de make mistakes too!

November 16 2009 at 12:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
chris

So, this is news, why? Every performer has at some point mentioned the wrong state, town while on tour. No big deal. I guess people are upset because he doesn't use atape machine or back-up dancers. And, actually puts on a three hour show. As opposed to the new breed of entertainer. Whose entire show revolves around pre recorded and dancers.

November 16 2009 at 12:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply